Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a common injury that affects the front of the knee joint. It is often caused by overuse, an imbalance in leg muscles, or biomechanical problems. Patelloefemoral Pain Syndrome symptoms include pain when climbing stairs, running, squatting, or sitting for extended periods. The good news is that several treatments can help manage the pain and regain your mobility. This blog post highlights two viable options for PFPS treatment – chiropractor and physiotherapy.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic is an alternative medicine that is focused on spinal alignment and nervous system function. A chiropractor will perform a detailed assessment of your spine and joints to understand if there are subluxations or misalignments. These misalignments can lead to irregular loads on the knee joint, which could contribute to PFPS. Once a diagnosis is made, the chiropractor will use spinal manipulations or adjustments to realign the spine and balance the loads on your joints. This treatment can reduce inflammation, increase blood flow and restore nerve function. Additionally, a chiropractor may prescribe exercises, stretches, and massages to promote healing and prevent future injuries.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a domain of medicine that specializing in treating movement disorders. A physiotherapist can help you identify the biomechanical problems that may be causing PFPS. A thorough examination is necessary to find out which muscle group is imbalanced. A program will then be developed to target the weaker muscles and strengthen them so that they can share the load more evenly, relieving stress from the knee joint. An experienced physiotherapist will prescribe exercises that target your quadriceps, hip abductors, and hamstrings. Additionally, stretching and lunges may be added to the regimen to improve flexibility and mobility. Most physiotherapy sessions include manual therapy such as tissue manipulation, ultrasound, and electrotherapy to reduce inflammation and restore joint function.
In summary, chiropractic and physiotherapy are viable options for people suffering from Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. A chiropractor can help realign your spine and restore nerve function while a physiotherapist can help you identify the muscle imbalances causing PFPS and recommend exercises to strengthen them. Additionally, both treatments reduce inflammation, promote healing, and relieve pain. It is essential to visit a qualified practitioner and get a proper diagnosis to determine which treatment is best for you. Remember, healing is a process, and it may take several sessions to notice significant changes; so be patient and stick to the treatment program.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Tyler Baron, BASc, DC or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
